As the Red Cross issues a call for blood donations, the Browns host a blood drive

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Browns training camp is getting underway, but the first weekend isn’t just about football.

On Saturday, the team is hosting its annual blood drive to help the American Red Cross. The need is great right now, with the Red Cross just issuing an alert that donations are down. They’ve seen 80,000 fewer donations than expected over the last 11 weeks. The Red Cross says if that doesn’t change, it will face an emergency situation.

There are 14 locations around Northeast Ohio. If you want to donate, click here to find the centers and the time.

The team says Browns alumni will be at some of the spots, and donors will receive a commemorative Browns First and Ten T-shirt, while supplies last, as well have a chance to win Browns memorabilia as well as preseason tickets.

To donate, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also go online to make an appointment. Donors must be 17 years old, 110 pounds, and generally in good health. High school students and other donors who are 18 years of age and younger must meet height and weight requirements.

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